Cell 211
Performance & Direction: Cell 211 Review
Last updated: February 12, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Cell 211 (2009) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Cell 211 features a noteworthy lineup led by Alberto Ammann . Supported by the likes of Luis Tosar and Antonio Resines , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Cell 211
Quick Plot Summary: Cell 211 is a Action, Thriller, Drama film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. The story of two men on different sides of a prison riot -- the inmate leading the rebellion and the young guard trapped in the revolt, who poses as a prisoner in a desperate attempt to survive the ordeal. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: Cell 211
Ending Breakdown: Cell 211 resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Cell 211 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Cell 211?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Cell 211
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $5.7M |
| Worldwide Gross | $19.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Cell 211 Budget
The estimated production budget for Cell 211 is $5.7M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Cell 211
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Where to Watch Cell 211 Online?
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Netflix Standard with AdsCell 211 Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about Cell 211 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Cell 211 is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Cell 211 is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cell 211 worth watching?
Cell 211 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Cell 211 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Cell 211 identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Cell 211?
The total duration of Cell 211 is 108 minutes, which is approximately 1h 48m long.
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Critic Reviews for Cell 211
Now there are a few rather daft plot holes here, but in the main this is a really strong prison drama anchored well by Luis Tosar and Alberto Ammann. The latter man ("Juan") is on an orientation visit to a high security prison were he is shortly to begin work when a full scale riot breaks out. That is being led by "Malamadre" (Tosar) and it's only by luck - he had had an earlier accident and was recovering in cell 211 - that he isn't taken hostage like two of his soon-to-be colleagues. He's quite a quick thinker and thanks to him being slightly bloodstained, manages to convince their new boss that he's just another new inmate. Make no mistake, though - he is treading a very fine line as not everyone believes him, and as the negotiations begin in earnest he knows it is going to prove increasingly more difficult to help diffuse this scenario and stay in one piece. Meantime, the authorities are making quite an hash of things on the outside - and that rather shambolic operation leads to a tragedy that causes "Juan" to completely rethink his loyalties! What's actually more effective here is the dialogue and quite intense style of photography. Violent and angry it is, yes - but these prisoners are victims too. Their protests against a brutal regime of solitary confinement have long since fallen on deaf ears, so this action is quite literally their last resort - just ask the previous occupant of cell 211! Tosar is impressive as the slightly more sophisticated thug and as the two men work together, a bond - of sorts - begins that might ultimately be the only thing that keeps any of them breathing.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
